Of Gods and Elves

chapter Thirteen
The High Lady of Valshara paced the halls of the temple, immersed in thought. Ever since Linis had reported the presence of possible agents from Angrääl watching them, she had hardly slept. Then, two of her scouts had disappeared three nights ago, and the temple watch had seen shadowy figures lurking just beyond the walls. Their location was compromised and she felt an attack would soon come.

The few knights she had available were not enough to hold off an attack should the walls be breached. They had attempted to convince her to escape, but she refused. The High Lady of Valshara would not scurry away in the night, and she would not leave her people behind. If evacuation became necessary, everyone would go. Of course, if the hidden exit had been found by their enemies, they would all die.

Her mind wandered to thoughts of her son. She wished she could speak to him one more time. Their reunion had been all too brief, though she was thankful that she was able to see him before the end.

“My Lady.” It was Ertik.

Selena forced a smile. “Brother Ertik, how are the preparations coming?”

“They go well, My Lady,” he replied, though not convincingly. “If the walls are breached, the knights will be able to slow any invaders long enough for everyone to get out.”

“I want you to spread the word,” commanded Selena. “Gather all packs and gear and place them in the receiving hall at once. I want nothing to hinder our escape, if it comes to that.”

“Yes, High Lady,” Ertik bowed and left.

Selena busied herself by inspecting the provisions and defenses. The knights tried once more to convince her to leave, but she would not be moved. When it was time for the evening meal, fatigue had begun to set in. Her feet swelled and her legs ached. Still, even after a hearty meal and hot bath, she could not bring herself to sleep.

After lying in bed for an hour, she decided to read. She sent for some hot tea and settled in her favorite chair, curling up with one her favorite comedies. She needed a laugh. Selena had only read the first paragraph when there was a loud knock at the door. It burst open before she could speak and Jericho, the captain of the knights, stepped inside holding his sword tightly.

“We are besieged, High Lady,” said the captain. “We must evacuate.”

“I heard no alarm raised.” Selena reached for her coat. She was thankful that she had begun the habit of dressing in clothes suitable for travel, rather than her cotton nightgown. “Have they breached the defenses already?” She slipped into a pair of short leather boots.

“I don't know how it was done,” Jericho admitted. “But they killed three knights before we even knew they were there. Whatever they are, they're neither human nor elf.”

A cold knot twisted in her stomach. “How many are there?”

“I don't know,” said the captain. “But they fight as if possessed. We cannot hold. You must leave now.”

Selena squared her shoulders, standing straight and tall. “Begin the evacuation. Then, and only then, will I leave.”

Jericho lowered his eyes but made no move to obey. “My Lady, if you do not come with me willingly, I regret that I must take you by force.”

“You wouldn't dare!” she hissed.

“It is my duty to protect this Order.” He took a small step forward, but did not lift his eyes or place his hands on her. “You are not only our leader. You also symbolize what we are. Should you die, we die with you. The knights are falling back as we speak to aid in your escape. Every second you delay, more of us meet our end.”

Selena boiled with anger, but she had no other choice. She nodded sharply and allowed Jericho to lead her though the temple to the receiving hall. Screams echoed everywhere as the enemy found new victims, but Jericho wouldn't allow her to pause. Tears streamed down her face. Her people were being slaughtered, and she was helpless to do a thing about it.

She hoped desperately that the gathering in the receiving hall would be large, but as they entered those hopes were dashed. Three knights, Ertik, and two novices.

“So few,” Selena whispered in horror. She felt her legs begin to give way, but Jericho caught her.

“Come High Lady,” said the captain softly. He led her to the tunnel entrance. “Others may yet follow.”

Selena tried to fight back her tears.

“I will stay behind and help others get out,” said Ertik.

“No!” Selena shouted. “You will escape now.”

Ertik bowed and helped Selena to the ladder once Jericho had descended. When they reached the door, Jericho motioned for them to wait, and then crept outside into the cool night.

“All clear,” whispered the captain. “My Lady, stay close behind me.”

Jericho led the group down the trail, sword in hand. Selena, Ertik, the novices, and the three knights followed as closely as they could without tripping on each other.

They had walked for about half a mile when they could hear footsteps coming from out of the darkness. Jericho crouched and the rest followed suit. As the footsteps grew louder, the light from three torches came into view.

“Off the path,” whispered Jericho.

They scampered into the nearby brush, trying to stay quiet. Soon the torches were right next to them. Selena's heart raced, and her breath was short and swift. Then the torches halted. From their vantage point behind a small bush, she couldn't see who it was.

“Come out,” hissed a foul, unearthly voice. “I can smell you, hiding like scared rabbits.” Selena was the first to stand. “Who are you?” she shouted. “Why have you attacked the sacred Temple of Valshara?” She stepped onto the path. The others quickly jumped up and followed. The knights stood at her side, while the others stayed close behind. Ertik had drawn a small dagger.

What she saw shocked and revolted her senses. Two soldiers stood in full chain mail, each bearing vicious, curved scimitars in one hand, and a rope attached to a bound and blindfolded elf in the other. Selena recognized them as part of Theopolou's guard. They had been badly beaten, but there was no mistaking who they were. Standing in the center was a creature she had never seen. Even in the dim torch light she knew it wasn't human. Hunched over and swaying from side to side, it was wrapped in a long, flowing, black cloak, and wore heavy boots of leather and iron. Though its face was hidden behind the drawn hood, she could feel its eyes on her. It took a step forward and drew a long, jagged sword. The creature’s movement was unimaginably quick and fluid. Jericho and the knights leaped in front of the High Lady.

“Stay back, demon,” commanded the captain.

“The Vrykol bid you greetings, High Lady,” said the creature. “You will come with us... or all of your companions will die.”

“You will not lay your foul hands on the High Lady of Valshara,” growled Jericho.

The Vrykol hissed a laugh. “Brave words, human. I think I'll kill you slowly.”

“You will harm no one,” said Selena. In a flash, she reached in her sleeve and threw a small glass phial straight at the Vrykol's head. The sound of breaking glass was followed by another foul laugh.

“Holy water has no effect on me, foolish woman,” said the Vrykol. “Your Gods have no power in this world.”

Selena smiled fiendishly as smoke began to rise from the Vrykol's hood. A second later it burst into intense, blue flames. The heat drove the two humans standing beside the Vrykol back. The creature desperately tried to put himself out, but the fire grew larger and hotter, until the light was blinding. It dropped to its knees and let out an unearthly scream. The sound caused Selena to wince and cover her ears. After a minute, it stopped and the Vrykol fell, smoldering, to the ground.

The two human soldiers dropped the ropes and ran into the night. Jericho started after them, but Selena ordered him back.

“We can't waste time chasing them,” said Selena. “We must move quickly.”

They untied the elves and examined their wounds.

“You are Theopolou's guard, are you not?” asked Selena.

The elves nodded. “I am Stintos, and this is Haldrontis. We owe you our lives, High Lady.”

Selena smiled. “We are happy to aid you. How did this happen?”

Stintos explained how the Vrykol had attacked them, and how Gewey and Linis slew them. “We were to return to the temple until I was able to travel, but we were ambushed and held captive.” Anger raged in his voice. “They tried to get us to turn spy, but I would not dishonor myself, or my kin, with treachery. They are devils. And they have elf allies. Now that we are free, I must get this information to Theopolou.”

“He will be told,” assured Selena. “But your wounds must be tended. We go to Althetas and the two of you are coming with us. I will send word. The moment we get there.” Stintos opened his mouth to protest, but Selena shot him a stern look that told him there would be no argument.

“Can you travel?” asked Jericho.

“Yes.” Haldrontis spoke with fierce determination. “And we will fight if need be.”

Jericho turned to one of the knights. “Give him a dagger.” The knight obeyed and Jericho gave Stintos a dagger from his own belt. “I wish I could arm you better...”

“This will be fine,” said Stintos. “An elf with a dagger is a thing to be feared.”

The elves struggled to their feet.

“What was that thing?” asked Selena. “It called itself Vrykol.”

“I'm not certain,” Haldrontis replied. “But they fight like they are possessed. And the only way I know to kill them is to remove their head.” He looked at the smoking corpses. “And it would seem they do not like fire either.”

The entire group erupted in uneasy laughter.

“Let us go,” said Selena, still chuckling. “It's many miles to Althetas.”

Despite their injuries, the elves easily kept pace. By the time dawn pierced the darkness, they had traveled many miles. To everyone’s relief, there was no sign of pursuit.